Tigers Make Roster Move After Connor Seabold's Ankle Injury

The Detroit Tigers are coming off a tough 9-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds and are looking to bounce back in their next game of the series.

With the second straight loss, a decision was made regarding right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold . According to the Tigers' official X account, he has been placed on the 15-day injured list with left ankle inflammation.

The injury occurred when he slipped and fell awkwardly while delivering a pitch during Saturday's game against the Reds, forcing him to leave in the sixth inning. This prompted the Tigers to call up another right-handed pitcher, Brenan Hanifee , from Triple-A Toledo.

This injury to Seabold will be tough for the Tigers, who are taking a precautionary approach. It forces a temporary bullpen shuffle, with Hanifee stepping in as his replacement.

Hanifee has been pitching well for the Toledo Mud Hens in the minor leagues. In 10 appearances, the 27-year-old has posted a 4.91 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP, 12 strikeouts and 11 innings pitched. His success comes from his ability to generate ground balls with a heavy sinker and solid control.

Seabold, on the other hand, has been an effective low-leverage reliever for Detroit. The 30-year-old owns a 4.09 ERA, a 1.545 WHIP, 11 strikeouts and 11 innings pitched. His effectiveness stems from a strong command and a signature above-average changeup. He features a solid four-pitch mix of a fastball, changeup, slider and cutter, allowing his arsenal to play up through sequencing and consistent strike-throwing.

Seabold has developed into a valuable depth pitcher at the major league level. The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 19th round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California, but he did not sign. He was later drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of California State University, Fullerton.

He made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2021 after being acquired in the Nick Pivetta trade. Seabold also has spent time with the Colorado Rockies and pitched overseas with the Samsung Lions in South Korea before returning to affiliated ball.

He has built a reputation as a reliable low-leverage option with strong command and pitchability. The Tigers signed him to a one-year split contract on March 23, 2026, worth $800,000 at the major league level.

Related: Cincinnati Reds Make Roster Decision After Eugenio Suarez’s Injury

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.